ATL INSIDER BLOG

What's Hot on BeltLine's Eastside Trail

Get walking. Or biking. Or skating – all along the Eastside Trail of the Atlanta BeltLine.

Take a walk, then grab a bite.

You can't go wrong with one of chef Kevin Rathbun's restaurants.

The Atlanta BeltLine is growing in popularity every day, particularly the Eastside Trail. Since opening in 2012, the 2.5-mile trail that stretches from Irwin Street NE to Monroe Drive NE not only connects neighborhoods like Poncey-Highland, Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward, it connects people with a plethora of things to do on and off the trail, too.

Here are a few things to enjoy on and around the Eastside Trail.

Check out the art. You will definitely get an eyeful of amazing public art, from the annual submissions to Art on the BeltLine to the famous Krog Street tunnel, which is nearby.

Eat your way to happiness. Dozens of restaurants vie for your attention - and appetite - along the Eastside Trail. These include Two Urban Licks, Kevin Rathbun Steak, Parish: The Brasserie and Neighborhood Café, Park Tavern, Superica, Serpas, Apres Diem and the Food Hall at Ponce City Market, among many others.

Stay fit. Not only is the trail itself the perfect spot for walking, running, skating and biking, it also gives you the opportunity to participate in free fitness classes or explore nearby places like Exhale Inman Park, Pure Barre, Urban Body Studios, Sacred Thread Yoga, Intown Tumbling and Yoga for Kids, The Training Room, Stillwater Yoga Studio and King of Pops Yoga.

Browse the markets. The Eastside Trail is (nearly) bookended by two awesome new marketplaces, Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market. Both are restoration projects that have transformed historic spaces into new and very hip Atlanta hot spots.

Frolic in the parks. It’s almost an embarrassment of riches, having Piedmont Park, Freedom Park and Historic Fourth Ward Park all nestled among the 2.5 miles of the Eastside Trail.

Lick frozen treats before they melt. When it comes to cooling edibles, there’s no shortage of options, including Jake’s Ice Cream, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, King of Pops, Honeysuckle Gelato, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream and Yoforia, to name a few.

All hail the healthy treat. If you want sweet and healthy, try fruit and veggie-based goodies at Kale Me Krazy, Lucky Lotus and Arden’s Garden.

Have fun on two wheels. Whether you’re a fixie aficionado, have no plans to give up your gears or are ready to try a two-seater, bicycle shops like Atlanta BeltLine Bicycle, Intown Bicycles and Skate Escape are on or nearby the trail and can get you rolling in minutes.

“Are you not entertained??” Though they might not show the "Gladiator" (2000 film), local spots like Midtown Arts Cinema and Plaza Theatre certainly keep us entertained with a steady selection of great films. If you seek live music and festivals, check out The Masquerade and the Historic Fourth Ward Park Amphitheater.

Enjoy the horticulture. The trees and plants that border the Eastside Trail are native to Georgia, planted specifically to provide food, protection and homes for birds, butterflies and bees. Planted by Trees Atlanta, this natural wildlife habitat is part of the Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum, and it requires minimal maintenance, as well as discourages invasive species from growing.

Learn about nature. If you want to learn more the horticultural collections, you can take a free guided tour of the Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum, offered on Fridays and Saturdays. You can also learn about nature from the art installation "33 Oaks," a collection of stainless steel leaf sculptures representing 33 species of oaks that are native to Georgia. Additionally, the Trees Atlanta TreeHouse, located at 112 Krog St, offers childhood education programs about trees and nature.

And that's just the beginning. Find out all about Atlanta's Eastside here. Happy exploring.

Beth Clark is a writer and foodie who loves to roam around Atlanta, uncovering the city's quirky, glam, upscale and down-home character. Curiosity is her compass, and you'll find her writing on www.thecitydweller.me.

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